His Love Shattered (Love Shattered #2) (10 page)

I can’t wait for my parents to meet Courtney. She is the love of my life so I know my parents will love her just as much as I do.

Miley and I head out to run our errands and to pick up Jason and Caleb from their friends’ house. Then we head to the park and swing on the swings for bit.

Yeah I could get used to this.

Courtney

When I arrived to work this morning the first thing I did was turn in my two weeks’ notice.  I walked right into Elizabeth’s office with determination and handed over the letter with shaky hands. I have never had to quit a job before. Elizabeth was sad and told me that if I ever needed a job that mine would be waiting if I ever wanted to return. She was very understanding and even offered to scale back my hours for me during the summer, but now that I had a way to stay home with the kids that was the only thing I wanted to do.

Maybe later after the kids were all in school I could dabble a bit into the working world again. I am not sure if Dexter and I will ever have kids of our own but I want to be able to stay home with them if we do. This is the best decision I have made and I am very grateful to Dexter for giving me this opportunity back. I do feel a bit bad about him supporting us. After all we aren’t married and it just seems wrong but I know Dexter and I know that he wouldn’t offer something that he didn’t really want to do. I just needed to learn to accept the help.

I can’t explain why I was so dead set on choosing to stay here and not go with Dave. I know my family is here and that’s a good reason. I love Dexter with all my heart that’s another really good reason. None of those things were my deciding factor though. My gut instinct, something that has never let me down before, was what sealed the deal. Something in my gut was telling me that going with Dave was a very terrible idea and that is something I could not ignore.

I am sitting at work going over and over my decision in my mind. It still weighs heavily on me that the kids will never get to see their dad again. I keep thinking maybe I will change my mind and pick Dave, but the second that thought creeps back into my mind my sixth sense kicks back in and I immediately shut that thought down.

Tonight I am going to meet Dexter’s Mom and Dad. When the text first came through I was in panic mode. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that but I agreed anyway because I know it means a lot to Dexter for me to meet his parents. Then after I saw Dexter when he arrived with my lunch all my worries melted away just seeing the excitement on his face and how much he talked about going to dinner tonight.

Now here I am getting ready to leave work just waiting for the final hour of the clock to tick by. I was still nervous but I am not scared or worried anymore. Just knowing Dexter will be there puts my mind at ease and I am sure his parents are going to be great. They did raise Dexter after all and he is wonderful. Plus I had already exposed Dexter to the “meet the parent” world so I guess now was my turn to take the plunge.

I finish up my day at the bakery taking some orders for birthday cakes and scheduling some appointments for possible wedding cake clients. I answer a few more phone calls and confirm cake pick up times for the upcoming weekend. When it’s finally time to leave for the day I let out a sigh of relief. I can’t wait to get home to my family.

When I get home it’s just about time for us to turn around and walk right back out the door if we are going to make it to his parent’s house on time.

Dexter greets me with a kiss and a quick hello. I give each kid a kiss on the head and say hello to each of them. I ask them about their day and how their stay over at their friend’s house went. They seemed excited and went on and on about how much fun they had.

Dexter has all the kids cleaned up, dressed, and ready to go. He even has Miley’s diaper bag packed. He is really getting the hang of this. All I have to do is get myself ready and then we can head out the door.

I put on a pair of capris and a flowy top that has pink flowers on it. I decide on a pair of strappy white sandals to complete the outfit. I run a brush through my hair, dab on a little foundation and eyeliner and then some lip gloss and I am ready to head out the door.

It’s a forty-five minute drive to Dexter’s parent’s house from mine. We arrive to their house with five minutes to spare. At least we weren’t late. I would have been terribly embarrassed by that. Still arriving only five minutes early sent me into a craze. I like to be on time to everything, always getting to places early with plenty of time to spare. I am not sure why I am like this but if I don’t arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time it sends me into a panic.

Dexter must see the turmoil I have going through my head because he places his hand on my shoulder, “Just relax babe, everything is going to be fine.” That was all I needed to hear. My body relaxed instantly and I was finally ready to head inside.

Dexter grabs Miley. Jason and Caleb climb out of the back seat and we head towards the door. Dexter doesn’t knock he just heads right on in. The house is very cozy and homey. It makes me feel right at home and all the tension fades away.

“We’re here.” He shouts through the house.

His mom and dad appear out of thin air from a doorway on our right. Dexter hugs his mom and then his dad and then he introduces us.

“Mom and Dad, this is Courtney. Courtney, this is my Mom, Suzanne, and my Dad, Anthony.” He gestures to each parent while telling me their names. I stick my hand out to shake each one and they both engulf me in a heartwarming group hug.

“It’s so nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Sonners. Dexter has told me so much about you, I feel like I already know you both.” I say stepping out of their embrace.

“You can call me Suzy dear or Momma Suze whichever you prefer hun.” His mom tells me. I love her southern accents.

“Same with me dear, please call me Dad or Anthony.” His dad tell me too.

“Okay Suzy and Anthony thank you so much for having us over for dinner.” I tell them honestly.

“And who do we have here?” Suzanne squats down to the kid’s level to say hello.

“This is Jason, Caleb, and Miley.” Dexter tells his parents. Pointing to each child when he says their name.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you guys. Are you all hungry? Dinner is just about ready. I cooked some macaroni and cheese just for you guys. Dexter told me it was your favorite.” His mom sweetly talks to the kids. She heads for the kitchen and they follow behind her like she is a mother duck all lined up like little ducklings in a row. My kids are a sucker for Mac and Cheese. I send Dexter an appreciative glance and he wraps his arm around my back and leads me to the kitchen.

“Is there anything that I can help with?” I offered and Suzy just waves me off.

“No dear you can just take the kids on over to the table and get situated and we will bring dinner to the table in just a moment. Dexter why don’t you go ahead and get everyone a drink while I get the rest of the food together.”

“Sure thing Momma.” Dexter agrees and begins making drinks for us all.

“Do you want me to help you with that Dex?” I ask him.

“No baby you just go sit down and relax. I got it.” He winks at me and I head back over to the table. Feeling a little awkward that no one wants me to help with anything. I like to help out and this sitting down and relaxing thing is kind of new to me. I guess I kind of do enjoy it a little. Okay maybe more than a little if I am being honest.

Suzy serves up dinner and we all dig in. She has cooked a wonderful rotisserie chicken with real mashed potatoes and gravy, not that boxed stuff, and then green beans and macaroni and cheese. It is delicious. Dexter definitely gets his cooking skills from his mother.

We all keep the conversation going through dinner just getting to know each other. His parents even included the kids in the conversation which just made me fall in love with them even more than I already had. I all in all had nothing to be nervous about coming to meet his parents. They are wonderful and made me feel like I was already part of the family.

After dinner we all headed into the living room. They had turned on cartoons for the kids while the adults chatted about anything and everything. It was really easy talking to them. The conversation flowed nicely.

“It has been so wonderful getting to know you Courtney. You guys will have to come back again soon. This has been a real treat. Your kids are amazing. You have done really well with them.” Suzy’s compliment sends heat rising to my cheeks. I am sure they are red as a tomato.

“Thank you Suzy. They mean everything to me and they are pretty great kids if I don’t say so myself.”

“Daddy I tired.” Miley says on a yawn. That was the first time she has called Dexter Daddy in front of Jason and Caleb. I look over at them for their reaction. Jason seems unfazed by it. Caleb on the other hand pipes right in.

“Hey. Why does Miley get to call Dexter Daddy and I have to call him Dexter that isn’t fair. I want him to be my Daddy too.” Caleb wines. You can tell it’s getting to be bedtime for everyone.

“Caleb do you want to call me Daddy? If you want to that is okay with me bud. I just don’t want you to feel like you have too. I will never replace your Daddy but I can be your second Daddy if you want to okay?” Dexter calms Caleb down with ease and it amazes me. He took what I was sure would turn out to be a tantrum and he quieted the storm before it had the chance to begin.

I just sat there in shock. I looked over to Suzy and she was staring at Dexter in Awe. His dads face held about the same expression when I peeked over at him. The pride they felt towards Dexter was pouring off of them in waves.

“I want you to be my second Daddy. I love you and you are just like a Daddy. You even hunt for shells with me and my real daddy didn’t like to look for shells.” Caleb says to the room. It’s true Dave hated shell hunting with us. I am just surprised that Caleb actually remembers that because he was only four when Dave died. It hurts my heart to think that he remembers the one thing that Dave didn’t like to do with him. He never really talks about Dave that much so when he says something like that as a memory it breaks my heart.

Dave did become distracted shortly after we found out I was pregnant with Miley. He claimed his work load was getting the best of him but it did dip into the amount of time he spent with the kids. I just wish he would have given it a little extra effort and maybe Caleb wouldn’t be feeling the things he is feeling now.

“I love you too little buddy.”  Dexter grabs Caleb into a hug. Caleb throws his little arms around Dexter’s neck and begins to cry.

“I always wanted a Daddy again. I am so glad you are going to be my Daddy.” Caleb says into Dexter’s shoulder.

There isn’t a dry eye in the room after witnessing the bonding between Dexter with my son. It means the world to me that my kids are one by one starting to take Dexter’s roll in their lives seriously. I know it will be harder for Jason. I don’t expect that he will ever call Dexter, Dad. I hope that he will be able to look up to Dex and feel comfortable enough with him that he knows he can go to Dex if he ever needs anything. Some things a mother just can’t explain and I hope that he will turn to Dexter for help when he needs advice.

After that little heartfelt moment we pack the kids up and head out the door promising to come back soon. We all pile into the car ready to make the forty-five minute trek back to my house.

When we get home Dexter carries a passed out Caleb inside and puts him to bed. I carry Miley inside and put her to bed as well. Jason tells us both goodnight and heads to bed too. I think we are all worn out after the events of the evening.

I head to my room to take a nice long shower and get ready for bed. When I come out of the shower Dexter is already almost asleep. I know he won’t admit it but he had to have had a hard time sleeping last night with Miley in the bed. I kept feeling him get up and move her back into place. I was going to tell him to not worry about it just leave her be but it was so funny watching him move her every hour or so. He couldn’t have gotten much sleep though.

I have learned to sleep through her crazy bed hogging technique but I know it takes a while to get used to.

“Thank you so much for coming to meet my parents tonight Courtney. It means a lot to me.” He takes my hand in his and kisses my wrist tenderly.

“You are so very welcome babe. How are you dealing with all that took place after dinner with Caleb and everything? Not ready to run for the hills yet right?” I joke trying to lighten the mood.

“I feel so humbled that your kids want to call me Dad. It’s the most incredible feeling in the world. I can’t even put into words how I feel. Having him break down in my arms tonight because I told him he could call me dad, it is just overpowering. I really can’t explain it.” Dexter is running his hands up and down my thigh. Not sexually but just because he needs to have that connection. I know this because I am the exact same way. When we are near each other I have to have my hands on him.

“It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. Caleb isn’t really one to show emotion often so to see that…. You are absolutely right I can’t find the words to describe it either.” I say while running my fingers up and down his muscular chest. He shivers in response and I know my touch is affecting him.

I lay my head down on his chest and we both let out a contented sigh at the same exact time. I chuckle at how in sync our bodies are with each other.

“Get some sleep baby girl. Tomorrow is Friday so that means we have the whole weekend coming up to spend together. Rob is coming into town tomorrow so maybe we can head over to Lillian’s to have dinner. I can make something to take over there that way she doesn’t have to cook anything. Plus I haven’t seen Lillian Junior since they came home from the hospital and I would like to visit. Does that sound okay?” He pulls the covers up over us and I snuggle down into his chest and get comfortable. I am surprised by the fact that he offered to take something for dinner so Lillian doesn’t have to bother with it. Who am I kidding I shouldn’t be surprised at all by this. That is just how Dexter is and he loves to cook. He is a perfect gentleman and he is mine. All mine.